The Gyrfalcon.'] OF ORKNEY. . 35 



Sir Robert Sibbald takes notice of another, which he calls 

 the melanaetos, and tells us it is found in " una Orcadum in- 

 " sularum ;" however, I never could get any account of it, or 

 ever observed it in Orkney. 



Species 4. The Gyrfalcon. 



Jerfalcon, Wil. Orn. 78. Gyrfalco, Raii Syn. Av. 13. Sib. Scot. 14. Brit. 



Zool. II. p. 135. tab. 4. 



THIS aquiline species I have had an opportunity to see 

 here, but whether a constant inhabitant in Orkney or not, I 

 am not certain, but rather think not. 



where they have affixed on for their royal aerie, and is beautifully described by 

 Thomson in his Spring, as follows : 



High from the summit of a craggy cliff, 

 Hung o'er the deep, such as amazing frowns 

 On utmost Kilda's shore, whose lonely race 

 Resign the setting sun to Indian worlds, 

 The royal eagle draws his vigorous young, 

 Strong pounc'd, and ardent with paternal fire. 

 Now fit to raise a kingdom of their own, 

 He drives them from his fort, the tow'ring seat, 

 For ages, of his empire ; which, in peace, 

 Unstain'd he holds, while many a league to sea 

 He wings his course, and preys in distant isles. 



Spring, I. 752708. 



